Hey guys, I've been going back and forth on whether or not to take the PSAT. Some of my friends are saying it's essential, but I'm not totally convinced. Can someone explain the real benefits of taking it besides the whole scholarship thing? I mean, is it actually going to help with the SAT or college admissions in general?
Hey there! I'm glad you're giving some thought to whether the PSAT is right for you. Beyond the potential for National Merit Scholarships, taking the PSAT can be a great diagnostic tool. It'll give you a feel for the types of questions and the pacing of the SAT without the pressure of it being an 'official' score colleges will see. Think of it as a practice run that provides valuable feedback on areas you might want to strengthen before taking the SAT.
Also, by taking the PSAT, you're automatically opted into the College Board’s Student Search Service, which can help colleges and scholarship programs find you. This can have the added benefit of you receiving targeted information regarding programs, majors, and scholarships.
One more plus: if you score well, it's a nice boost to your confidence as you prep for the main event. So, all these factors combined can make taking the PSAT a worthwhile decision. Good luck with whatever you choose!
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